PLG is pleased to welcome Paul O’Neill and Christopher A. Barrett as partners in the firm’s Education practice.
Paul brings extensive experience advising charter schools, independent schools, charter management organizations, education management organizations, nonprofits, foundations, and other education sector clients. Drawing on experience across private practice, government, in-house leadership, and academia, he counsels educational institutions on both day-to-day legal matters and complex strategic initiatives.
Paul is particularly recognized for his work involving students with disabilities and advises schools on navigating federal and state special education laws while developing practical policies and approaches that support both compliance and positive educational outcomes.
Chris brings significant experience representing K-12 schools and educational institutions, with a particular focus on employment and labor matters, special education, regulatory compliance, school operations, and litigation. Chris regularly advises school administrators and boards on employment issues, labor relations, collective bargaining, student matters, and the evolving legal and regulatory requirements affecting educational institutions. An experienced litigator, he has represented schools in state and federal courts and before numerous administrative agencies, guiding clients through investigations, enforcement actions, administrative proceedings, and complex disputes.
“Paul and Chris bring an exceptional combination of experience that strengthens our ability to serve schools and education organizations across a much broader range of needs,” said Ben Lieber, Managing Partner of PLG. “Paul’s longstanding work with charter schools and education organizations, combined with Chris’s deep experience in K-12 operations, employment, labor and litigation, adds tremendous depth to our Education practice. We are delighted to welcome them both to PLG.”
Prior to joining PLG, Paul was a partner at Barton Gilman LLP, where Chris served as counsel. Paul earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, an M.Ed. from Columbia University Teachers College, and a B.A. from Oberlin College. Chris earned his J.D. from Widener University School of Law and his B.A. from Saint Joseph’s University.
